Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation confirmed Thursday that 155 citizens detained in Pakistan have returned home this week, marking the second major repatriation initiative in April 2026. The former prisoners received humanitarian aid at border crossings before being transferred to their home provinces for social reintegration programs.
This follows last week's return of 426 Afghan nationals from Pakistani detention centers, signaling accelerated efforts to address longstanding incarceration cases. With an estimated six million Afghans living abroad – primarily in Pakistan and Iran – Kabul continues urging expatriates to participate in national reconstruction efforts.
The repatriations coincide with increased cross-border coordination through the Torkham border crossing, which partially reopened in late March. While challenges persist in verifying detainee statuses, officials describe these transfers as critical for stabilizing communities affected by decades of conflict.
